Longford Town’s squad building continues

The dust has only just settled on their First Division title-winning campaign, but Longford are already well underway in having the bulk of their squad re-signed for their 2015 season in the Premier Division.

Stephen Rice has been the latest experienced face that has signed on and next year will be his second season with the club after his move from Shamrock Rovers. He was a mainstay in the Longford midfield this year, playing twenty five times in the league, scoring five goals in the process, whilst also captaining the side in Mark Salmon’s absence.

Winger Don Cowan, who scored three goals from his new position this year, will also be at the club for the 2015 season, along with defenders Pat Sullivan and Willie Tyrell. Youth players Ger Pender and Conor O’Brien have also re-signed for the upcoming Premier Division challenge.

The team so far then is as follows: Paul Hunt; Jamie Mulhall, Pat Flynn, Pat Sullivan, Willie Tyrell; Lorcan Shannon, Rhys Gorman, Mark Salmon, Don Cowan, Conor O’Brien; Ger Pender, Gary Shaw, David O’Sullivan. Goalkeeper Paul Skinner has also been signed from local rivals Athlone Town.

While many will be returning to line up in the black and red next season, five players will not. Goalkeeper Chris Bennion has retired, while Glen O’Connor, Etanda N’Kololo and Peter Hynes have all left the club. Noel Haverty has also moved on due to work commitments. Noel made over sixty appearances in his three seasons at Longford, scoring five times, and was named on the First Division Team of the Year twice.